Core i3-1115G4 vs Core i7-3840QM

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-1115G4 vs Core i7-3840QM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1115G4 vs Core i7-3840QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1115G4

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,860 vs 5,871).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-3840QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3840QM better than Core i3-1115G4?

Yes. Core i7-3840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3840QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3840QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-1115G4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1115G4 vs Core i7-3840QM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-1115G4

The Core i3-1115G4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,860 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i7-3840QM

The Core i7-3840QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,871 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1115G4 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3840QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-3840QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-1115G4 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3840QM — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115G4 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-1115G4 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i7-3840QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115G4 scores 5,860 against the Core i7-3840QM's 5,871 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3840QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,579 vs 676, a 80.1% lead for the Core i3-1115G4 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115G4 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3840QM.

Feature	Core i3-1115G4	Core i7-3840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+8%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm SuperFin-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,860	5,871
Geekbench 6 Single	1,579+134%	676

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1115G4 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-3840QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1115G4 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3840QM — the Core i3-1115G4 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-1115G4 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i3-1115G4) vs 16 (Core i7-3840QM) — the Core i7-3840QM offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-1115G4	Core i7-3840QM
Socket	FCBGA1449	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+100%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i3-1115G4 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU) (Core i3-1115G4) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3840QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1115G4 targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-3840QM targets Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i3-1115G4 rivals Ryzen 3 5300U; Core i7-3840QM rivals A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i3-1115G4	Core i7-3840QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU)	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	Mobile Workstation